NBA playoffs 2026: Anthony Edwards cleared for Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 1
DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play in Saturday’s Game 1 in opposition to the Denver Nuggets.
Head coach Chris Finch did not have any information on Edwards’ standing pregame after he’d beforehand been listed as questionable with proper knee harm upkeep. But he participated in warmups, and the Timberwolves introduced pregame that he was out there to play.
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Edwards performed in two of Minnesota’s remaining seven regular-season video games and three of their final 14 as a consequence of his knee harm. He was restricted to 61 video games this season (beginning 60) as a consequence of numerous accidents to his again, hamstring, foot and shoulder. But his proper knee has been essentially the most problematic, requiring common absences for upkeep towards the tip of the season.
Finch: Edwards ‘appears good, feels good’
Finch, who’s coached Edwards for his whole six-year profession, stated that is the primary 12 months he is seen Edwards battle with an harm.
“I just look for the brightness in his smile,” Finch stated Saturday of what he appears for when figuring out Edwards’ readiness to play. “When he’s out there having fun and he knows he’s got the confidence in his game and in his body, which I think he’s always had. That’s what you look for.
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“This is the primary 12 months I’ve ever seen something totally different, the place he is been pissed off, however not feeling 100%. He’s all the time performed by means of little accidents, however this yet one more than ever, I felt, it impinged the way in which he is capable of play.
“But he looks good and feels good right now. It’s just about getting him in the rhythm of the game.”
Edwards is not eligible for any 2026 season awards, although (*1*) to the NBA’s 65-game requirement for awards consideration. Before this season, Edwards had by no means performed in fewer than 72 video games in a single season.
“He’s been incredibly durable,” Finch stated. “He loves to play. I thought it was a shame that he didn’t win his appeal as well, just given the history of playing so many games. He’s always available to play.”
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This season, Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 factors with 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per sport. I’ve shot 40% on 514 3-point makes an attempt. In three video games in opposition to Denver, he averaged 30.3 factors, 5.7 rebounds and 5 assists, whereas capturing 26% on 31 3-point photographs.
The Timberwolves completed with a 49-33 report, giving them the sixth seed within the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the third-seeded Nuggets (54-28).
